How to Turn On VoiceOver on iOS for Blind People

Hello everyone!

In this tutorial, I’ll show you three simple ways to turn on VoiceOver on your iPhone or iPad. VoiceOver is a built-in screen reader on iOS devices designed to help visually impaired users navigate their device independently. Let’s get started!

Method 1: Using Siri to Turn On VoiceOver

The easiest way to turn on VoiceOver is by using Siri, Apple’s voice assistant. Here’s how:

1. Activate Siri: If you’re using an older iPhone model, like the iPhone 7 Plus or earlier, or an iPad that still has a home button, you can activate Siri by pressing and holding the Home button. If you have a newer iPhone or iPad without a home button, press and hold the Side button (this is the button on the right side of your device, also called the Lock button).
2. Give the Command: Once Siri is activated, simply say, "Turn on VoiceOver." Siri will respond with something like, "Okay, VoiceOver is now on."
3. Ensure Your Device is Connected: Make sure your device is connected to the internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data) and that Siri is set up beforehand. This method is great because you don’t need to see the screen at all to turn on VoiceOver.

Method 2: Turning On VoiceOver via Settings

You can also turn on VoiceOver directly through your device’s settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Scroll down and tap Accessibility.
3. In the Accessibility menu, look for VoiceOver and tap it.
4. Turn on VoiceOver by toggling the switch.

For iOS 12 or Older Versions: If your device is running iOS 12 or an older version, you will find Accessibility under the General tab in Settings. Ask a friend or family member to help you navigate to this option if needed.

Method 3: Using the Accessibility Shortcut for Quick Access

For even faster access, you can set up an accessibility shortcut to toggle VoiceOver on or off with a simple gesture. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility.
2. Scroll all the way to the bottom and find Accessibility Shortcut.
3. Select VoiceOver from the list of options.

Now, depending on your device:

• If you have a newer iPhone or iPad without a home button, you can triple-press the Side button to activate or deactivate VoiceOver.
• If your device has a home button, you can triple-press the Home button instead.

This shortcut is super convenient because it allows you to turn VoiceOver on or off quickly, without having to go into the settings each time.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide has been helpful in showing you how to easily enable VoiceOver on your iPhone or iPad. Whether you prefer using Siri, navigating through the settings, or using the accessibility shortcut, you now have multiple ways to quickly access this essential feature.

Feel free to share this with others who might benefit from it!